British Couple Await Verdict in Iran on Espionage Charges Amid Detention Concerns

A 67-year-old woman, Zahida Perveen, was arrested at Birmingham Airport after 25 kilograms of heroin were found in her luggage, leading to charges of conspiracy to import Class A drugs against her and two others, including a Border Force officer, with additional money laundering charges for the latter two. Separately, British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman have been detained in Iran since January on espionage charges they deny, with their family expressing concern as a recent court hearing did not go well and a verdict is expected soon. Lindsay Foreman is held in Qarchak women's prison near Tehran, known for its harsh conditions, while Craig was transferred to Evin prison. Their son, Joe Bennett, highlighted the diplomatic stalemate between the UK and Iran, where both sides appear to be waiting for the other to act, leaving the couple caught in a prolonged legal and diplomatic limbo. The UK Foreign Office warns against travel to Iran due to the risk of detention, emphasizing the ongoing complexities faced by British nationals held abroad under contentious circumstances. The Foreman family's public campaign continues amid fears over the couple's deteriorating morale and uncertain future.